An Hour for Earth and for us
Every year, at 8:30 pm on the last Saturday of March, supporters in over 190 countries and territories unite, taking action on and raising awareness of the issues facing our one home.
But Earth Hour is more than just an hour for Earth - it's a movement for our own futures, for the benefit of people and planet.
And it's not only a symbol of solidarity - it's a catalyst for change, harnessing the power of the crowd.
Earth Hour, the world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment, is set to unite millions of people around the world to show solidarity for both people and planet. Taking place at a particularly crucial moment in time, this year’s event invites people around the globe to unite in a moment of reflection on our relationship with each other and our collective home.
From the Sydney Opera House where Earth Hour began in 2007, through the Gateway of India, Beijing Phoenix Center in China, Brandenburg Gate in Germany, the Colosseum in Italy, Empire State Building in the USA and the Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, a host of global landmarks will take part in the symbolic switch off moment which this year seeks to communicate a safer, fairer and more sustainable future for everyone.
“Earth Hour 2022 calls for the world to unite in a moment of solidarity for people and planet. We know that alongside the many challenges we face, especially in these unprecedented times, 2022 remains to be a critical year for the Planet, our shared home. This year the world will come together to agree on a Paris-style agreement for nature, and this presents a once in a decade opportunity for leaders to agree on a plan to reverse nature loss by 2030 and build a nature-positive future.
“We also know that in order to build a future in harmony with nature we also need peace amongst people. Which is why this year’s Earth Hour offers a moment of solidarity with all peoples suffering from wars and conflicts around the world; a chance for our global community to express what matters to them, to take positive action and to call for a world where people and planet are able to thrive together
More than 190 countries and territories are expected to stand in solidarity on 26 March for people and planet this year:
Greece will highlight the important role food plays in creating community and identity, as well offering information on creating sustainable diets and food production practices.
South Africa will focus on the upcoming UN CBD COP15 and centre their campaign around securing petition signatures to help ‘Shape Our Future’.
Tanzania aims to help every student from Primary to University level to plant and nurture a tree until they leave their school or university. The campaign hopes to plant more than 14 million trees during its implementation and will launch on International Forest Day on 21st March.
India will commemorate their 75th year of independence and recognise the efforts of ‘75 Heroes of Conservation’, sharing the inspirational stories of how these individuals have helped ‘Shape Our Future’.
The UK will urge people to participate in the switch-off moment and download the My Footprint app which will allow them to calculate the effects of their lifestyle on the planet and what they can do in their everyday lives to reduce their footprint.
If you're not sure how you'll spend your Saturday evening this Earth Hour - the 26th of March - look no further!
After switching off your lights, here's how you can spend the Hour with your friends, family, and community - whether at home, outside, online, or in-person - to make it an impactful evening to remember:
Reconnect with nature
Nature doesn’t only provide us with clean air, water, and food - nature is essential for our health and happiness! So spend the Hour outside with friends and family (we guarantee a great night’s sleep afterwards!). Here are a few things you can do:
Explore your nearby parks, beaches, or other natural spaces.
Go “forest bathing” - no, you don’t have to bring soap or a towel!
Go on a night hike
Have young ones? Go camping or stargazing!
Cook up a meal with your family or friends
Candle-lit dinners aren’t just for Valentine's Day! Dine in the dark this Earth Hour and cook up some planet-friendly dishes.
Be inspired by some sustainable recipes here or here. You can also check out this list of 50 foods for a healthier planet and a healthier you!
Challenge yourself to cook up a meal where nothing gets wasted or get creative with leftovers - here are a few ideas.
Make it a time challenge and see who can create the best dish within 60 minutes.
Have young ones? They can help choose the ingredients or get involved in making dinner!
Spend time with your loved ones
Stay in and use the Hour to spend some quality time with those who matter most to you - a fantastic opportunity to create special memories and be close to the people you’re trying to shape a brighter future for. You can:
Watch a movie together! Bonus points for movies set in nature or nature documentaries like Our Planet (which is completely free to watch on Youtube!).
Call a friend or family member you haven’t met in-person for a while. See how they're doing and invite them to spend the Hour with you virtually.
Play board games, cook, listen to music, sing karaoke or dance the night away together.
Got young ones? Read a book together in the candlelight!
Up your knowledge
Awareness is the first step before action. Use the Hour to learn more about our incredible planet, the challenges we face, and what we need to do to turn things around.
Discover how to be sustainable in your day-to-day life
Learn about nature loss and climate change
Have young ones? Help them do fascinating science experiments about the natural world.
Connect with (and give back to) your community
The challenges facing our planet can only be solved if we work together, empower each other, and create a feeling of unity.
Attend a local Earth Hour event! We have a variety of virtual and on-the-ground events lined up all over the world - from live events hosted by local influencers and artists to guided meditation sessions and movie marathons - so you can spend the Hour with people in your city, country, and from across the globe!
Get ready to volunteer! Find out about organizations and initiatives in your area that need the most help. For example, volunteer for park, beach, or nature-clean ups, tree-planting initiatives, the upkeep of community gardens, or for local recycling projects! You're bound to meet some amazing people while doing something worthwhile.
Be inspired and inspire others - Read the stories of supporters like you from around the globe who are shaping a brighter future for people and the planet. Have your own story to tell?
Get active
It’s hard to take care of our planet (and others) when we’re not taking care of ourselves! So get moving and get sweating this Earth Hour! Your body and our planet will thank you for it.
Go on a night cycle or night run!
Put on your favourite playlist and dance in the dark.
Do some candle-lit yoga or listen to a guided meditation track as you do a few stretches!
Go to your nearest park, beach, nature trail, or outdoor space and pick up any trash you find (we recommend bringing gloves, tongs, and a biodegradable rubbish bag)! You may have to get your hands dirty but you’ll leave with a clean conscience.
Got young ones? Make it a fun competition - whoever picks up the most trash wins a special prize!
Discover your artistic side
If you don’t feel like working your body, work your creative mind on the night!
Do some night photography or challenge yourself with “light painting” - we recommend a tripod and a slow shutter speed!
Upcycle something around the home or in your wardrobe.
Have young ones? Try painting with glow-in-the-dark non-toxic neon paint.
Write a song with lyrics about nature and our planet, or compose music using nature sounds! Need some motivation?